Our Ripple Impact

A Fresh Chapter programs create an exponential ripple of good in the world. Participants see that struggle is universal and it’s possible to heal, connect, and serve others while reclaiming their lives. Whether our participants have returned to work with renewed purpose, healed relationships with loved ones, committed to ongoing volunteering, or even made peace with dying, AFC is revolutionizing cancer support while building stronger families and communities and a better world.

To see our impact in action, meet recent alumni, Eliel and scroll down to read his story.

Meet

ELIEL

LuisA Salazar

“I will be eternally grateful to his India tribe who I will forever call family.” Luisa Salazar, Eliel’s wife

LUISA SALAZAR

“Collateral Beauty, that is what I have decided to call our life now. A Fresh Chapter has shown us as a family what living is really about, to appreciate life at its fullest. This so called collateral beauty is what came after my husband’s trip to India. It’s a renewed sense of living, not only for his family but for him. I will never be grateful to his Cancer, but I will eternally be grateful to his India Tribe who I will forever call Family.” – Luisa Salazar, Eliel’s wife

Carroll Family

“Eliel is an example of why we love helping provide scholarships for people impacted by cancer to heal through A Fresh Chapter.” Paul & Cecelia Carroll

CARROLL FAMILY

In 2013 our daughter Melissa travelled to India with A Fresh Chapter, just after a recurrence of Ewing Sarcoma. It was a profound and positive experience for her. She returned to New York City, producing a masterful series of watercolors for a gallery show entitled “Recurrence.” Melissa passed away March 31, 2014.

Through the “Melissa Carroll Legacy Fund”, in partnership with A Fresh Chapter, we would like to help make it possible for individuals impacted by cancer to experience the wonder, community, and emotional well-being that can come from volunteering and travel abroad.

– Cecelia, Paul, Amy, and Patrick Carroll

Terri Wingham

“From the moment I met Eliel, I knew he had so much to offer the world.” Terri Wingham, AFC Founder

TERRI WINGHAM

“I met Eliel when I spoke at a retreat for cancer survivors in January 2016. His desire to move from feeling victimized by cancer to taking action to give back in some way was instantly apparent. We had a last-minute spot still open for our 2016 India Odyssey, 5 weeks later. I never imagined all of the pieces could come together for him to join us – but they did.

Eliel reached out the next week and said he couldn’t get the idea of India out of his head. I could see how much he needed and wanted to start his fresh chapter immediately. Within 2 weeks, he had launched a fundraising campaign, completed a scholarship application and booked a flight. He quickly became an integral member of our India Odyssey tribe and we are so lucky to have him on our Ambassador team.” -Terri Wingham, founder and CEO of A Fresh Chapter

Bela Singh

“He was amazing with the kids in the local daycare. He reminded me of the Pied Piper!” Bela Singh, India CCS Director

BELA SINGH

“I feel honored and lucky that India was chosen by A Fresh Chapter. Not only did they educate but they showed us what fighting spirit and compassion is. All of the volunteers are an example for us but who I remember vividly is Eliel Morell. He was amazing with the kids in the local daycare. He reminded me of the Pied Piper! Children were glued to him as he was teaching them preschool concepts, doing craft work, playing in the field, clowning around, and sometimes telling stories. He had energy of a 10-year-old and the enthusiasm of young person on his favourite adventure. I often smile thinking about him and feel forever grateful for his kind heart. – Bela Singh, Country President, Cross Cultural Solutions India

Sheila Johnson-Glover

“When I first met Eliel our friendship was instant. He’s a big giant with a gentle soul and spirit.” Sheila Johnson-Glover, Fellow Tribe Member

SHEILA JOHNSON-GLOVER

When I first met Eliel our friendship was instant. I called him my Ride or Die…my Soul Brotha. He’s a big giant with a gentle soul and spirit. I knew we would instantly become friends because his heart is so pure and so genuine. We were on the same volunteer assignment and we had a great deal of time to talk about life and different things and no matter what he uplifted my spirit and gave me the best advice. When I would wake up in India I would look out in the hallway to see if Eliel was there. When I saw him I knew the day would be great because his smile made it great. I knew that God placed Eliel in my life for a reason and I’m eternally grateful God did. I don’t like that cancer brought our friendship together but I’m blessed that cancer did through A Fresh Chapter. Our meeting was a divine blessing from God. -Sheila Johnson-Glover, 2016 India Odyssey Tribe

Eliel – India Odyssey 2016 Tribe Member

Before A Fresh Chapter I was broken, lost and hopeless. Depression had taken over and I did not find joy in anything. That is who I became after Cancer. I was searching for answers and trying to bounce back from a life changing event. When I look back at everything that happened to me in that span of 2 years, it feels like the blink of an eye. By far, the most memorable and meaningful moments that are stuck in my head and heart come from my trip to India with A Fresh Chapter. That experience changed me forever. It was an eye opener which gave me a new perspective on life, showed me the way to finding happiness, and inspired me to be a better person, father, husband, and friend.

Today I am so grateful for the opportunity that was given to me, the generosity of the Melissa Carroll Legacy Fund and Terri for believing in me. Since my return from India I have stayed engaged with A Fresh Chapter and volunteer as much of my time as possible as an Ambassador. I want other people to experience what I experienced and to see the meaning of life again – even during a time of adversity. If I can inspire others with my story and advocacy, and help them get to their fresh chapter in life, then I can say that my life is a full circle. Today I am who I am, for my family and for myself, thanks to A Fresh Chapter.

— ELIEL

A Fresh Chapter programs help to create purpose and possibility in the lives of individuals impacted by cancer. If you would like to help more people, like Eliel, participate in an Odyssey program, please donate.